1. introduction ergonomic study 2. workplace health...

Alexander Nikov 662002 ext. 85389 [email protected] http://www2.sta.uwi.edu/~anikov

The University of the West Indies Ergonomic study

and design of digital workplaces

User ExperienceLiving Lab

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Outline

1. Introduction2. Workplace health risks and solutions

3. Health risk assessment and WP redesign

4. WP user experience testing in UXLL

5. Conclusions

1. Introduction

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An example of poorly set up digital workplaces

1. Introductionslide 4 of 100

Another example

1. Introduction

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Another example

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Another examples

1. Introduction

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The digital workplaces environment

Source: Jack Dennerlein, Harvard School of Public Health


Wilt Chamberlain 7’ 1”

Willie Shoemaker 4’ 11”

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Digital workplaces and user experience

• Digital workplace is the collection of company-provided digital applications and systems that employees use to do their jobs.

• Critical for user work on a digital workplace is his/her experience – how the user interacts with a system, positively or negatively, in the digital workplace

• User experience (UX) describes the whole impact a workplace has on the user.


Workplace user experience

• WUX includes ergonomic, usability, cognitive, socio-cognitive and emotional aspects of users’ experience in their interaction with the workplace.

• The poor WUX can be the cause of reduced productivity and user work satisfaction.

• Major area of research: how a positive ‘user experience’ of the use of digital workplaces can be promoted.

1. Introduction

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Emotional WUX

• Currently in workplace design emphasis on ergonomic aspects.

• WUX goes beyond ergonomic aspects to encompass affective aspects concerning how to elicit desirable emotional responses from users.

• Positive emotions and pleasant experience in the workplace better performance, job enrichment, higher quality social context and prevent fatigue.

• Negative emotions such as stress, fear, sadness, anger, hostility, and guilt accumulated at work can decrease the workplace user performance and health.

CAS201013-Nov-2010

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Personalization of WUX

• Personalization can support employees to reconfigure their workplaces, allowing them to shape their work experience and suit their work process.

• The personalization of workplace UX can positively influence the workplace productivity.

• The companies should tackle such issues by looking at digital workplace through UX lens.

1. Introduction

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Digital workplace user experience design

• From a holistic perspective, there is a need to study user

experience design incorporating the

• emotional dimension, the

• ergonomic dimension, and the

• personalization dimension in the context of digital

workplace.


Video: Office Ergonomics - The Quick and Fun Guide

1. Introduction

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What is “Ergonomics”?

Ergonomics is the scientific study of human work.

Ergonomic principals adapt work to a specific person by designing tasks & tools or equipment to fit the individual to prevent injuries to the musculoskeletal system.


Video: office ergonomics

1. Introduction

What are the benefits of workplace user experience design?

•Reduction of work-related injuries

•Increased worker productivity

•Increased work quality

•Reduced absenteeism

•Increased morale

WUXD provides a win-win situation…..on and off the job

You just feel

better!

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Video: Computer RSI syndrome

1. Introduction

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What are the risks of ignoring WUXD principles?

MSDMusculo Skeletal Disorders


Symptoms of MSDs

PainLoss of strength

Discomfort

Tingling

Stiffness

Numbness

Swelling

Fatigue

Aching

Reduced range of motion

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What are MSD’S?

• MSD’s are injuries caused by sustained exposure to stressors or repetitive motion.

• They may affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, circulation, or nerves.

• Some well-known MSD’s are:• Carpel tunnel syndrome• Guyner’s syndrome• Trigger finger• Tennis elbow


High Cost of Occupational Injuries

• Overexertion and repetitive motion cause one third of occupational injuries

• Musculoskeletal disorders account for 70 million physician office visits

• Workers comp costs = $20 billion +

• Economic burden = $45-$54 billion

1. Introduction

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Carpal Tunnel SyndromeOne of the best known MSDs

The median nerve does not work properly due to pressure on the nerve as it runs through an opening called the carpal tunnel

Numbness is usually first symptom.

Pain & tingling, can go up the arm to the shoulder and neck, causing waking to pain in middle of night


Guyon’s Canal SyndromeSimilar To Carpal Tunnel

Guyon’s affects the ulnar nerve as it passes through the Guyon canal in the wrist; this is similar to carpal tunnel, but involves a different nerve.

Unlike carpal tunnel, Guyon’s affects the little and ring fingers.

Can be in conjunction with carpal tunnel1. Introduction

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Trigger Finger

• Trigger finger affects the ability of tendons to slip back and forth.

• This can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, lacerations of tendon, gripping power tools, long hours of grasping steering wheel, or birth defects.

• Symptoms are pain and a funny clicking sensation.


Tennis Elbow• Overuse or misuse of the forearm muscles can cause tendonitis,

or a painful inflammation of the tendons connecting these muscles to bone.

• This condition is brought on or aggravated by poor leverage causing an uneven distribution of force on a few muscles.

• This may be when working, or during certain leisure activities, such as sports and gardening.

• Symptoms are severe pain

1. Introduction

The complaints source is one-sided strains of

A Backbone

B Disk

C Muscles

Back


The backbone is the main support of our body. It protects at the sametime the nerve paths. The right way requires special elasticity andstability of backbone. The natural form of backbone is S-form.

A. Backbone

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If the natural form of the backbone is not supported, than arisecomplaints.

A. Backbone

1. Introduction

A good chair supports therefore the backbone in particular within the range of the lumbar vertebra.

A. Backbone


The disks lie like cushions between the individual vertebra. Theyconsist of a gelatinous mass, which is surrounded by a fiber ring. Insuch a way they steam the vibrations and prevent that the vertebrarub together.

B. Disk


At correct sitting posture the volume disk is loaded evenly.The change between strain and discharge (dynamic sitting)ensures separation of pollutants by volume disks and take upliquid and nutrients.

B. Disk: Normal strain

1. Introduction

Continuous wrong strain by static body posture can lead to one-sidedintensified wear. Further it can come to the volume disk incident.The volume disk deforms and presses at worst on at the spinalcolumn running nerves.

B. Disk: Wrong strain


Muscles move our skeleton and provide forthe stability of the spinal column. Without itwould be not possible stretching, turning orinclination.

For your work you must be supplied withenergy and with oxygen, i.e. supplied withblood.

C. Muscles

1. Introduction

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In quiescent positions with small muscle activity blood need and blood circulation are balanced.

C. Muscles

1. Introduction

With static work postures with strained musculature the blood circulation is unsatisfactory. It comes to a under supply and thus to complaints.

C. Muscles


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• At dynamic muscle work the muscle is well supplied with blood, so that the increased blood need will therefore be balanced.

• For that chairs and work design should enable and promote dynamic sitting.

C. Muscles


Static Muscle Contraction

Muscles Tense

Blood Flow is reduced

Muscle Nutrition is reduced

Waste products (lactic acid) build up

Muscle pain and fatigue

Injury/Disability

How Injuries Occur

1. Introduction

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Are MSD’s Preventable?

• They are preventable and reversible

….. if identified early.

• The treatment depends on the stage of MSD.

• If the condition cannot be reversed, treatment can turn into a pain management situation.

The individual plays a large role in preventing MSD’s.


Am I at risk for a MSD?

Do you

…perform frequent repetitive motions?

…bend at the waist or twist when lifting objects?

…grasp tools with your fingers?

…forget to take breaks while working?

…feel like you are under stress?

…have to stretch to reach your work?

…forget to adjust your work area to fit your task?

The more you answered “yes”, the greater your risk.

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Risk Factors which can lead to MSDs(Stressors)

Not all of these may occur at the same time1. Static position: sitting in one posture for 4 hours without moving is a high level of static posture load.

2. Repetitive movement:repetitive motion of the fingers, and hands while continuously typing. 3. Awkward body positions:twisting and turned body position to reach something behind you.4. Forceful motions/exertions: hitting the keys too hard, or grasping the mouse too much5. Contact stress: the forearms in contact with the working surface. 6. Work stress: working tensed up due to a deadline.7. Risk factors outside work: crocheting or chopping wood.

These STRESSORS can be influenced by 1. Organizational or administrative precautions2. Environmental conditions 3. Individual work routine and habits

Most MSDs are the result of combined risk factors1. Introductionslide 42 of 100

Outline

1. Introduction

2. Workplace health risks and solutions3. Health risk assessment and WP redesign

4. WP user experience testing in Usability Lab

5. Conclusions

2. WP health risks and solutions

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2. Main risk sources for poor workplace design

1. Eyes

2. Head/Neck/Shoulders

3. Arms/Elbows/Wrists

4. Back/Legs/Feet

5. Whole Body

2. WP health risks and solutionsslide 44 of 100

2.1. Eyes: Common Sources of Eyestrain at Work

• Lighting

• Monitor distance

• Document positioning


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Computer vision syndrome


Eyes: Health risk sources

• Glare on monitor or documents

• Insufficient or poorly directed lighting

• Monitor too far away or not at eye level

• Documents out of visual comfort zone

• Poor indoor air quality


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Eye potential problems: Visual fatigue

• Accommodation/Ocularmotor fatigue: blurring, shadow images

• Headache

• Eye soreness/dryness


Eyes: Solutions

• Move monitor away from windows

• Tilt or swivel monitor

• Reduce overhead lighting

• Redirect task lighting

• Adjust blinds and curtains

• Put monitor an arm’s length from eyes

• Position papers adjacent to monitor

• Use an air cleaner to improve air quality


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Solutions

• Anti-Glare and Privacy Computer Filters

• Glare reducing Task Lights

• Monitor Stands & Arms

• Document Holders

• Office Air Cleaners


2.2.Common Sources of Head/ Neck/ Shoulders Strain

• Positioning of computer equipment

• Placement of work materials

• Telephone use

• Keyboard use


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• Monitor too high or low for head position

• Mouse out of comfort zone

• Documents too far from monitor

• Office supplies out of reach

• No phone headset or speakerphone

• Keyboard too high or low for comfort

Head/ Neck/ Shoulders: Health risk sources


• Center monitor directly in front of you at eye level

• Place documents at same height as monitor

• Keep keyboard, mouse and frequently used items in easy reach

• Use a headset or speakerphone

• Position keyboard at elbow height

Head/ Neck/ Shoulders: Solutions


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• Monitor and Laptop Risers & Arms

• Document Holders

• Adjustable Keyboard Trays

• Keyboard Drawers

Solutions


Dual monitors workplace


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• Arm posture while sitting

• Mouse type

• Furniture edges

2.3. Common Sources of Arm/Elbows/Wrist Pain


Arm/Elbows/Wrist: Health risk sources

• Keyboard too high or low for proper posture

• Sharp furniture edges under arms or wrists

• Mouse preventing ergonomic, neutral movement


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• Raise or lower your keyboard or your chair for proper height

• Keep your wrists straight

• Avoid sharp furniture edges

Arm / Elbow /Wrist:Solutions




• Wrist Rests

• Ergonomic Mouse

Solutions


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• Back support

• Leg position under desk

• Thigh position in chair

• Foot position when sitting

2.4. Common Sources of Back/Legs/Foot Pain


Video: Bad designed chair on workplace


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• Insufficient lumbar support

• Chair too high to allow enough leg room under desk

• Chair too high or low to evenly support hips and knees

• Inadequate foot support

Back/Legs/Foot:Health risk sources


• Use a backrest with your chair if necessary

• Lower your chair to create more leg room

• Clear the clutter under your desk

• Adjust your chair height so that knees and hips are evenly supported

• Keep feet flat on the floor or use a foot rest

Back / Legs / Feet: Solutions


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• Foot Rest



• CPU Stand

Solutions


• Head/Neck

• Elbows

• Hand/Wrist

• Torso/Thigh

• Thigh/Knee

2.5. Common sources of whole body pain


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• Simple stretching can increase your circulation and flexibility.

• UXLL training for office exercises that target the different pain points.

Give your body a break: Regularly scheduled, simple stretches


• Exercise

• Play sports

• Do yardwork

• Participate in other activities

Keep it going away from work:Maintain good user experience


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Outline

1. Introduction

2. Workplace health risks and solutions

3. Health risk assessment and WP redesign4. WP user experience testing in UXLL

5. Conclusions

3. Health risk assessment and WP redesignslide 68 of 100

Benefits of Health Risk Assessment

• Increase Overall Health and Vitality

• Reduce Occurrence of Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Reduce Overuse Injuries

• Reduce Fatigue

• Increase Productivity

• Save Time

• Decrease Error Rates

• Cost Savings (short and long term, individual and organizational)


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Our Methodology

• Assessment Protocol and Process• Pre-assessment• Assessment• Create solution• Implement solution• Train and educate the workers and management• Evaluate results• Continue monitoring workplace and solutions


Quick health risk assessment of workplaces

Data gathering from employees/workplaces by online checklist, observation and interviews

Determining of health risk quick checklist dimensions

Determining of health risk quick checklist items

Selection of most critical departments and workplaces for further detailed study

Quick health risk assessment

5

4

3

2

1

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Quick health risk assessment model


Algorithm for screening of departments and workplaces for further study

2

1

Determine health risk index Iws for workstations

Iws Iws Iws

Extreme riskHigh riskModerate riskLow risk

Determine health risk index Id for departments

Id Id Id

Extreme riskHigh riskModerate riskLow risk

No No

No No No

Yes Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes

No

List of departments for further study

List of workstations for further study3. Health risk assessment and WP redesign

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Detailed study of critical departments and workplaces

Data gathering from employees/workplaces by interviews, observation and mesurements

Determining of health risk detailed checklist dimensions

Determining of health risk detailed checklist items/questions

Low-cost corrective measures for reducing health risk

Implementation of low-cost corrective measures

Detailed health risk assessment

6

5

4

3

2

1

UX design of standardized personalized workplaces7

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Workplaces health risk assessment model


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Algorithm for allocating the severity of health risk

Determine health risk index Iws for workplaces

Iws Iws Iws

Extreme health riskHigh health riskModerate

health riskLow health risk

No No

Yes Yes Yes

No


Example visual presentation of workplace health risks

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10

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40

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60

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90

100

50

3034 35

64

94100 100

80

Workplace hazard risks [%]


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Video: Ergonomics Video Mission Backbone


Video: Workstation design ergonomics


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Video: 9 Tips for a Healthy Ergonomic Workstation


Example visual presentation of workplace health risks

before and after WP redesign


0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

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16

0

20

29

4953

61 6367

90

13 12 10 9 10

06

40

26

38

Workplace hazard risks [%]

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Health risk improvement [%] after implementation of

corrective low-cost measures

CAS201013-Nov-2010


Workplace before and after implementation of corrective low-cost measures.

Total health risk improvement 38%CAS2010

13-Nov-2010


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Example summary of health risk problems and corrective measures

Q# Summary of problems allocated Risk %

Corrective measures to solve problems allocated

12162133

Monitor position not directly in front of user; laptop monitor too low; primary monitor too high; head is turned to the side; rotating neck to view monitor places increased demands on neck and shoulders; head not directly over spine; head tilted up/down; head not balanced over shoulders; shoulders: rounded forward, lowered

100 Raise laptop by stand/arm; lower primary monitor; position primary monitor in front of user; position keyboard in front of user; provide wristrests for keyboard and mouse

25 Extended phone use 75 Provide headset

32 Work with a number of paper documents 100 Consider document holder between keyboard and monitor

42 Temperature too cold sometimes 50 AC adjustment


Outline

1. Introduction



4. WP user experience testing in UXLL5. Conclusions


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Two-room UXLL at UWI http://www2.sta.uwi.edu/~uxll

9.11.2006

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Video analysis

• Advantages• Keep reference to raw material• Code in detail• Data-video sync• Achieve frame accurate timing• Record first, code later• Review, edit and rescore the same material• Divide the work among students• Archive and re-use your material

• Bonus: record video, and code live at the same time!

• Fully integrated video - reliable and robust


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Audio recording

Why?

• Record participant’s comments

• Application: focus group, usability test (thinking aloud)

Microphones types

• Omni-directional: record everything in a room (for focus group)

• Directional: record speech of one person

4. WP user experience testing UXLLslide 88 of 100

Biophysiological measurements• Biofeedback in its behavioral context

• ECG – Electro Cardio Gram

• EEG – Electro Encefalo Gram

• GSR – Galvanic Skin Response

• EMG – Electro Myo Gram

• Heart Rate / Variability

• And much more

• Perfect sync throughout

Sync

pulse


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The Observer XTAll modalities are synchronized in The Observer

4. WP user experience testing in UXLLslide 90 of 100

Facial expression recognition: FaceReader

• Live or from video

• Now: six basic emotions classified automatically

• Future: customize expressions to be recognized

4. User Experience Testing in UXLL

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EMOTIV EPOC+ Systemhttp://emotiv.com/store/epoc-detail

• EPOC+ receives raw EEG data from a neuroheadset

• EPOC+ interprets Mental Commands, Facial Expressions, and measures Performance & Emotional States.

• EPOC+ monitors the user’s emotional states in real-time. It can measure emotions like excitement, engagement/boredom, frustration and meditation.

• It reads and interprets a user's conscious thoughts and intent. Users can manipulate virtual or real objects using only the power of their thought.

4. User Experience Testing in UXLLslide 92 of 100

Portable usability lab

Live observation and data collection

with digitized video

• Screen recording via scan converter

• Mixing screen and camera image via video mixer

• Mixed video is recorded on tape and encoded with software encoder

Scan converter

Digital Video Walkman Notebook with

Data collection software

Camera (incl. built-in Camera (incl. built-in microphone) & tripod

Scan converter

Digital Video Walkman

Mixer


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Mix and matchSynchronize data from any source

Screen captures

Eye tracking data

Multiple video streams

Text & event logging

Pocket Observerdata input Physiological data or

own external data


UX testing of office products

• UX tests in the Caribbean’s first UXLL


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UX testing of workplaces


UX testing of old and redesigned

workplace in UXLL

CAS201013-Nov-2010


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Example results of UX testing of old and redesigned workplaceCAS2010

13-Nov-2010


Outline

1. Introduction




5. Conclusions

5. Conclusions

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Benefits from workplace user experience design

• Health, safety and comfort at work

• Reduced occupational injuries and costs

• Added relief for the health risks

• Better performance and productivity

• Increased user work satisfaction and pleasant workplaces experience

• Simple steps toward study and improvement

• Consulting from UXLL

5. Conclusions